born May 18, 1862, Washington, N.C., U.S.
died Jan. 15, 1948, Raleigh, N.C.
U.S. editor, administrator, and diplomat.
He published a newspaper in Raleigh, N.C. (1885–1933), and became influential in the Democratic Party. In the 1912 presidential election he worked for the nomination of Woodrow Wilson ; he later served as U.S. secretary of the navy (1913–21). As ambassador to Mexico (1933–44), Daniels improved relations between Mexico and the U.S. and became Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt 's most trusted adviser on Mexican issues.